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Canaries Complete Trade With Sioux City

Posted: 10/3/2018

Sioux Falls, SD--The Sioux Falls Canaries announced on Wednesday morning that they have completed the July 30th trade with the Sioux City Explorers, which sent INF Blake Schmit to the Explorers in exchange for three Players to be Named Later. The Canaries acquired three right-handed pitchers in the deal: Ryan Flores, DominicTopoozian, and Keith Picht. All three played key roles in the X’s regular season South Division championship.

Flores, 25, has been a workhorse, and Sioux City’s best weapon out of their bullpen over the last two seasons, compiling 144.1 innings, striking out 165 batters, and carrying a 3.43 ERA.

“Ryan has been one of the best bullpen arms in the league over the past two seasons, and was arguably the leagues best reliever in 2018”, stated Canaries Manager Mike Meyer. “We look to transition him into the rotation next season and showcase his dominant breaking ball and low 90’s fastball over 20 starts. He has the potential to be a true #1 starter.”

Topoozian, 24, is coming off a great 2018 season with the X’s, appearing in 11 games (2 starts), hurling 30.2 innings, 19/5 strike out to walk ratio, and finishing with a stellar 2.93 ERA.

“Dominic will be competing for a rotation spot with us next season,” said Meyer. “He has a fastball that ranges 87-92 and can throw three pitches for strikes. His best pitch is his changeup, which he can throw affectively to both right-handed and left-handed batters. He brings the old-school style of pitching to the table, which is effective in this league. We are very excited to see what he can do in a full season.”

Picht, 27, has been very consistent throughout his five seasons in the American Association, tossing 311.1 innings, striking out 256 batters, and starting 36 games.

“Keith knows what it takes to get batters out in this league,” said Meyer. “He has the stuff to be a lockdown back-end reliever for us. He features a low to mid 90’s fastball, with a sharp breaking ball. We look for Keith to give us solid innings next season.”

Season tickets for the 2019 season are on sale now through the Canaries office or by calling 336-6060. Stay up to date on the latest news and transactions during the offseason by following the team on Facebook and Twitter @Canaries and through the team’s official website sfcanaries.com.